Implementation of Virtual Network Function Chaining through Segment Routing in a Linux-based NFV Infrastructure

TL;DR

This paper presents a Linux-based NFV infrastructure implementation supporting service function chaining using IPv6 Segment Routing, including design, architecture, and performance analysis of SR-aware and SR-unaware VNFs.

Contribution

It introduces a novel implementation of SRv6-based VNF chaining in Linux NFV environments, including solutions for SR-unaware VNFs and open-source software.

Findings

Successful implementation of SRv6 VNF chaining in Linux NFV host

Proposed architecture supports both SR-aware and SR-unaware VNFs

Preliminary performance results demonstrate feasibility

Abstract

In this paper, we first introduce the NFV architecture and the use of IPv6 Segment Routing (SRv6) network programming model to support Service Function Chaining in a NFV scenario. We describe the concepts of SR-aware and SR-unaware Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). The detailed design of a network domain supporting VNF chaining through the SRv6 network programming model is provided. The operations to support SR-aware and SR-unaware VNFs are described at an architectural level and in particular we propose a solution for SR-unaware VNFs hosted in a NFV node. The proposed solution has been implemented for a Linux based NFV host and the software is available as Open Source. Finally, a methodology for performance analysis of the implementation of the proposed mechanisms is illustrated and preliminary performance results are given.